Johnny DuPree (the Democratic opponent to Watson) wants to increase Mississippi’s voter turnout by making it easy to register online, eliminating excuses for early voting and encouraging civic engagement among young people. Watson said that he believes the system is as it is. He also stated that he would be focusing on education to increase voter participation. “…I think it (voting), is easy enough as it is.” Watson stated that he prefers a single day for voting to a system that allows people to vote in a specific time frame before Election Day. Mississippi residents can vote early if they are disabled, elderly or away from their homes on Election Day. In 38 states, early voting is permitted. DuPree stated that voting is a “fundamental right” and should not be difficult for anyone, especially working people. DuPree stated, “I know that two-thirds allow early voting in America and we don’t.” “…I’m not sure why voting in Mississippi is considered a crime. It feels like a crime. He stated that the state’s political establishment is centered on maintaining
While “the status quo” is acceptable, there are changes that must be made in order to reach potential voters. These young people need to feel more connected to the state and not leave after they graduate from college. DuPree was previously the mayor of Hattiesburg. He became the first African American in Mississippi to be nominated for the office as governor by the major party in 2011. In 2011, he received nearly 40% of the votes, losing to Republican Phil Bryant. Watson, from Pascagoula is about to finish his third term as a state senator. He is an attorney. He has been in conflict with Lt. Governor during his two previous terms in the Senate. Tate Reeves is the chamber’s presider. Watson and DuPree spoke together and answered questions at a recent meeting of the Mississippi State University Stennis Institute/capitol media corps. Watson, 41 years old, credits Bryant’s conversation for helping him decide to run for statewide office. Watson said that he spoke with Bryant to discuss his future political plans. Watson stated that he spoke to the governor and suggested that he retire from politics so he could concentrate on his private practice of law. Watson stated Bryant suggested that Bryant run for secretary of state. This is an open seat since the incumbent Hosemann is running as lieutenant governor. Watson stated, “The governor saying run to secretary of state – that’s kind of neat.” DuPree, 65 years old, holds a doctorate of urban studies and served four terms in Hattiesburg as mayor before being defeated in 2017. DuPree stated that he had started several businesses and was currently teaching a class on public policy at the University of Southern Mississippi after losing the mayoral election. DuPree said that his students were intelligent but not engaged in politics or the electoral process. DuPree stated that he ran for secretary of state because he wanted to make voting easier and encourage more people to get involved in politics. DuPree spoke out about voter apathy, saying that if we don’t take action with where we are now, we will end up, perhaps not tomorrow, with a small number of people deciding our lives. The Secretary of State’s office oversees state elections. However, local election officials in Mississippi have significant influence on the process. Other services include overseeing charities and sports agents, overseeing state records, overseeing state businesses, and registering and overseeing various types of Mississippi businesses. DuPree, a former school board member, has a background as a real estate agent. He said that he wants the office’s focus to be on ensuring local school districts receive the highest revenue from 16th Section land. This is public land set aside for education. DuPree is a former member of a school board and has dealt with 16th Section land issues. Watson was pleased with the three-term tenure by Hosemann as secretary to state. However, DuPree is working on at least one new initiative in the office. He would like to transfer the process of renewing and obtaining Mississippi driver’s licences from the Department of Public Safety over to the Office of Secretary of State. Watson stated that he believes the task would be in line with the mission and mandate of the Secretary of State. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has been under scrutiny in recent years for long lines at driver’s licenses bureaus, and sometimes the absence of physical locations of these bureaus. Watson stated that he would emphasize making the process more efficient, user-friendly and less time-consuming. Watson acknowledged that he is aware of the risks involved in this proposal. Watson said that people have said, “Michael, if this is wrong, it will beat me (on taking over issuing drivers’ licenses). But, we as public officials should be brave enough to admit that this is a difficult issue. It is something I want to address.” DuPree said that some legislators have indicated they will file bills to transfer the Mississippi Secretary-of-State’s driver’s license bureau to DPS. DuPree stated that he believes paper ballots should always be used for elections, especially after the incident in the party primaries when online videos showed people voting for one candidate while the machine recording the votes for the other. DuPree stated that paper ballots would restore trust in the election process, as some Mississippi counties use them. Watson stated that machines trying to alter votes are uncommon and were caused by calibration issues. Watson said that the choice of the voting machine used will be made at a local level. He acknowledged that paper ballots are an option, but he said it was a local decision. DuPree has also suggested moving the state elections to presidential years. Mississippians have elections each year, provided that municipal elections are included. DuPree stated that it would be logical to elect as many officers in the same year as the presidential elections. These elections draw the highest voter turnout. Watson, a Republican, is the favorite and has the advantage in fundraising and cash on hand. Based on the most recent campaign finance report filed with Secretary of State’s Office through September, Watson has spent $545 820 this year and has approximately $67,000 cash on hand. DuPree has a debt of $3,521, having spent $66,415. View our #MSElex Voter Guide for more information about all candidates running to be elected to statewide office.